Abstract: A novel sensor is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel drive lines configured to transmit a signal into a surface of a proximally located object and also a plurality of substantially parallel pickup lines oriented proximate the drive lines and electrically separated from the drive lines to form intrinsic electrode pairs that are impedance sensitive at each of the drive and pickup proximal locations. A switch is integrated with the sensor.

Abstract: A valve for use with liquid chromatography or other analytical systems may include a separate and removable stator plate. The stator plate may be a with a multi-piece stator plate with different layers. A mounting device mounting device may be adapted to engage the stator plate. The mounting plate may include a plurality of ports for fluidic connections in fluid communication with fluid passageways in the stator plate. Liquid chromatography elements, such as a packed chromatography column, a sample loop, or an electronic device may be formed on one or more layers of the stator plate. A first stator plate may be removed from a valve and replaced by a second stator having additional or different liquid chromatography elements than the first stator plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a user's finger are provided. In some embodiments, a method may include applying a first electrical signal, applying a second signal, receiving a third electrical signal using a first electrode, receiving a fourth electrical signal using the first electrode, extracting the third and fourth electrical signals using a quadrature demodulator, and compensating for a phase delay between at least the first electrical signal and the third electrical signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a cable tie about an object is described. Further, a relatively compact banding tool that facilitates cable tie tensioning is described.

Abstract: A biometric module implemented on a single integrated circuit chip is configured to perform processing as part of a function associated with a device that performs contactless communication with a terminal. The module comprises a power-harvesting unit to induce a voltage from a wireless signal received at an antenna of the device; one or more components configured to process functions in the digital domain; one or more components configured to process functions in the analogue domain; and first and second voltage regulators each having inputs for receiving an input voltage induced by the power-harvesting unit. The first voltage regulator outputs a first voltage to the components processing functions in the analogue domain and the second voltage regulator outputs a second voltage lower than the first voltage to the components processing functions in the digital domain.

Abstract: A control device operates a fire extinguisher system. The system includes a hose having an extinguisher nozzle arranged at the end of the hose for releasing pressurized extinguishing fluid. A conveying pump pressurized conveying of the extinguishing fluid towards the extinguisher nozzle. A first supply line connects the conveying pump to a tank of a fire extinguisher vehicle. A second supply line connects the conveying pump to stationary extinguishing fluid source. A controller is positioned at a distance from the extinguisher nozzle and functions as an operations center. A control line runs along the hose to the nozzle end of the hose. A radio device connected to the control line converts signals from the control line into radio signals and outputting the signals. An operator carried portable radio device receives radio signals output by the radio device. An operator carried display displays information based on the transmitted radio signals.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling fluid flow and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit. The flow control apparatus has a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information travels with the apparatus allowing for more reliable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A biocompatible tube and fitting system that can be used in a liquid chromatography system is described. The tube can have a polymer tip and can be used in conjunction with one or more fitting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a single-use, disposable module or manifold for testing and analysis of bioprocesses, as well as a portable and compact device which can be used with the module or manifold. A module comprising a valve, a filter or guard column, an affinity column, and a flow cell is provided with several ports for receiving tubing connections for a sample and one or more solvents, as well as one or more outlet ports for connections to one or more waste reservoirs. The flow cell may use UV light to determine a protein concentration of a sample in one particular example. The module can be connected directly or indirectly to a bioreactor containing the bioprocess and material to be sampled, and can be disposed of once a production run has been completed. In addition, manifolds are provided which can be embodied as a valve assembly, and which can comprise the same components and features as the disposable module. The manifolds and modules are compact and easy to use.

Abstract: A membrane gas-liquid contactor is arranged to define a fluid flow path for contact with a membrane in a manner to improve degassing efficiency. A degassing module housing the membrane is arranged with flow fields for distributing the fluid flow throughout the membrane contact area. The distributed fluid flow may have a uniform membrane contact opportunity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a user's finger or other elements may be provided. In some embodiments, a system may include a plurality of electrode groups, and each electrode group may include a respective reference electrode for which a true signal value is a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the system may process signals received by the electrode groups by: (a) modulating the signals received from each electrode of the respective electrode group according to a modulation pattern; (b) demodulating the signals, or values derived therefrom, received from each electrode of the respective electrode group according to a demodulation pattern, thereby determining a set of demodulated values for the respective electrode group; and/or (c) using the predetermined value for the reference electrode of the respective electrode group, restoring a mean value to the signals, or values derived therefrom, received from each electrode of the respective electrode group.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a user's finger or other elements may be provided. In some embodiments, the system may include a memory, a sensor area, and a processor. The sensor area may include a set of receiving electrodes which may be partitioned among a plurality of electrode groups. The system may be configured to process signals received by the electrode groups by modulating the signals received from each electrode of the respective electrode group according to a modulation pattern, and demodulating the signals, or values derived therefrom, received from each electrode of the respective electrode group according to a demodulation pattern. The electrode groups may be at least partially interleaved.

Abstract: A pump includes a pump-head portion including a pump body and a magnet cup. The pump body defines an inlet and an outlet, and the pump body and the magnet cup together define a pump cavity. The pump includes a suction shoe situated on the pump body. The suction shoe includes an engaging portion. The pump includes a movable pumping member situated in the pump cavity and at least partially received within the suction shoe. The pump includes a permanent magnet coupled to the pumping member. The pump includes a pump-driver portion including a magnet driver located outside the magnet cup. The pump includes a pressure-absorbing member situated in the pump cavity. The pressure-absorbing member is configured to engage the engaging portion of the suction shoe such that the suction shoe is urged radially inwardly with respect to an outer edge portion of the surface of the pump body.

Abstract: A sensor has drive lines and transverse pickup lines to define an electrode pair where each pickup line crosses a drive line. A reference pickup line is arranged parallel to the pickup lines and a compensation drive line is arranged parallel to the drive lines. A signal source provides a first signal to the drive lines and a second signal that is the inverse of the first signal to the compensation drive line. An amplifier has a first input connected to a pickup line, a second input connected to a reference pickup line, and a output indicative of an object in contact with the electrode pair(s). Each impedance between the compensation drive line and a pickup line, between the reference pickup line and a reference drive line, and between the compensation drive line and the reference pickup line is equal to the impedance at the electrode pair when no object is contact with the electrode pair.

Abstract: An optical shutter apparatus for controllably blocking an aperture, the shutter apparatus having a rotary actuator configured to rotate a shaft about an axis from a closed-shutter angular position toward an open-shutter angular position and a shutter blade coupled to the shaft and extending along a plane that is in parallel with the axis of rotation, wherein a surface of the shutter blade is reflective. There is a ferromagnetic collar coupled to the shaft and having a protruding portion extending orthogonally from the shaft with respect to the axis. A stationary magnet is disposed to attract the protruding portion of the collar and urge the shaft toward the closed-shutter angular position.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods facilitate enrollment of authenticating biometric data for authenticating an authorized user via a biometric sensor. A data input device and a power source are operatively coupled to a smart card including a fingerprint sensor. An activation code input by the user interacting with the data input device is compared with a predefined activation code, and if the detected activation code matches the predefined activation code, a fingerprint template is enrolled from fingerprint data received from the fingerprint sensor, all without transmitting data from either the power source or the data input device to any device other than the smart card.

Abstract: A Coriolis flow meter comprises a first flow tube having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a first reaction force, and the second end comprises a second reaction force. A second flow tube is operably connected to the first flow tube. The second flow tube comprises a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a third reaction force, and the second end comprises, a fourth reaction force. A drive system is operably connected to the first and second flow tubes. At least one balance mass is operably attached the first flow tube or the second flow tube. The one balance mass is sized and positioned to minimize one or more of the first reaction force, the second reaction force, the third reaction force, and the fourth reaction force.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods facilitate enrollment of authenticating biometric data for authenticating an authorized user via a biometric sensor. In one aspect, power is transmitted to a smart card from a power source removably coupled to the smart card, the power source including a power element that provides power to the fingerprint sensor and a finger guide comprising two or more finger guide channels positioned adjacent to the fingerprint sensor of the smart card when the power source is coupled to the smart card. Each finger guide channel is configured to position a finger placed thereon to contact the fingerprint sensor at a different orientation. During the transmission of power to the smart card, the user is instructed with respect to the placement and removal of the user's finger with respect to each finger guide channel with a status indicator associated with the finger guide channel.

Abstract: A sensor assembly comprises a rigid substrate with a circuit subassembly wrapped therearound. The circuit subassembly includes a flexible substrate with conductive traces and interconnects formed thereon, and when wrapped around the rigid substrate, the conductive traces may overlap one another so as to form capacitive sensor elements. The interconnects connect the conductive traces to one or more components, such as a printed circuit board attached to a portion of the flexible substrate. The sensor assembly maybe installed in an opening formed in a host device panel of a host device, such as a smart phone, with the sensor assembly optionally peripherally surrounded by a spacer frame, and covered by a cover element. The circuit subassembly may include a host connector tab for electrically connecting the sensor assembly to electrical components of a host device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods facilitate enrollment of authenticating biometric data for authenticating an authorized user via a biometric sensor. Included devices transmit power to a sensor-enabled device that does not have an independent power source without transmitting data to or from the device. Data input devices coupled to the biometric sensor enable user input of non-biometric data, such as an activation code, via the biometric sensor. For biometric sensors comprising fingerprint sensors, finger guides position a finger to contact the sensor at a desired orientation. Systems and methods allow for enrollment of one or more authenticating biometric data templates with or without requiring input of non-biometric authentication data, such as an activation code.